LOS ANGELES - Aug. 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Cal State L.A.’s Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility was recently recognized as a winner of the 2015 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Best Practice Award in the sustainable transportation category.

The competition recognizes innovative project teams from the California State University and University of California systems for undertaking sustainable projects and initiatives that can be replicated at other campuses to conserve natural resources.

“This award acknowledges the hard, diligent work of more than two dozen people who contributed to the project over the years: faculty, staff and administration. It was a humbling experience to accept this award on behalf of the university and everyone involved,” said Cal State L.A. Professor David Blekhman. “We are hoping that the entire university community can take an advantage of this research facility.”

Earlier this year, the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility became the first station in the United States to be certified to sell fuel by the kilogram to the public. Opened last May, the fueling station is the largest such facility on a university campus in the United States and produces hydrogen on-site. The station is capable of using renewable sources such as solar and wind power to produce hydrogen. It is also open for tours and educational programs.

“Cal State L.A.’s Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility is playing a key role in promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles,” said Michael Dray, technical operations manager of the facility. “It is inspiring to watch our students take part in this effort. They truly want to improve their communities and operate this plant with professionalism and determination. The university is extremely proud of our students, as well as our faculty and technical staff.”

Cal State L.A., eight other CSU’s and six UC campuses were presented with awards during the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference (http://chesc.org/). The conference was hosted by San Francisco State University from July 20 to 24.

“All of our campuses work diligently to optimize the use of limited resources and be good stewards of the university. The best practice award winners are leaders that push to try new products and strategies to help the entire CSU system,” said Elvyra F. San Juan, CSU’s assistant vice chancellor of capital planning, design and construction. “These awards recognize the hard work and innovative solutions that are needed to solve the planet’s most urgent environmental needs.”